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Readers: February 27th: Apologies for the scattered posting that's about to come during the next week or so. University has just started and I have a lot of work to do to get on top of things (and ahead!). Thanks for your patience, as always.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Review: Hades + Giveaway

Bethany Church is an angel sent to Earth to keep dark forces at bay. Falling in love was never part of her mission, but the bond between Beth and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier Woods, is undeniably strong. But even Xavier’s love, and the care of her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can’t keep Beth from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, the demon Jake Thorn bargains for Beth’s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly, her loved ones, as well.

What can I say? Alexandra Adornetto is back to put us through the emotional ringer! After a Halloween seance goes terribly wrong, Bethany Woods is kidnapped into the frightening depths of hell where she must spend her days with Jake Thorn, trapped and only able to hope for release. While Hades wasn't as brilliant as Halo, it was only by a very tiny amount and that was probably due to my longing for the 24/7 time we had with Xavier like in the first book. He is still very much a big part of this novel though, so don't fret!

Jake, one of the princes of Hell, was a completely evil character in Halo, bringing distress and pain into the lives of mortals. Now, we see a more compassionate and caring side of him, if that's possible. Does he really have feelings for Bethany or is it all just a ploy to have her be his evil bride? I found this mystery and their relationship very intriguing. Even with Xavier in the picture, you can't help but wonder! He offers to take away her bad memories, pampers her and falls over his feet trying to please her... Perhaps Jake isn't as cold-blooded as we think he is. Hell is littered with all sorts of people - torturers, lusty lovers, doomed souls and more. Although Beth runs into her fair share of nasties, she befriends Tucker and Hanna, people who aid her in her escape. With the help of Tuck, she drinks from a river which allows her to astral project herself, at any time, to anywhere she wants. Best thing that could ever happen! Hello, regular Xavier appearances.

"They're so childish,” I complained to Xavier as we walked to French class together. Doors slammed, announcements rang over the loudspeaker, and chatter flowed freely around us, but Xavier and I were locked in our own world. “They want to hold a séance and go dressed as bunnies.”
“What kind of bunnies?” he asked suspiciously. “Playboy, I think. Whatever that means.” “That sounds about right.” Xavier laughed. “But don’t let them talk you into anything you don’t feel comfortable with.”“They’re my friends.”“So what?” He shrugged. “If your friends walked off a cliff, would you do it too?”“Why would they walk off a cliff?” I asked in alarm. “Is someone having problems at home?”

Although the lovers are in two different places physically, they can still find each other in their minds. Xavier can sense Beth's presence and remains strong in his search for her, with the help of Ivy and Gabriel. I love that Xavier really stepped up to the task and was completely determined, not afraid in the face of danger. On Earth, Beth's companions are having their own adventure, trying to find a portal to Hell in order to rescue her. The big surprise? Molly. Oblivious, immature, human Molly has her eyes opened to the supernatural world and tags along on these missions! Still in love with Gabe, there's always a question about whether he feels something in return. It sounds impossible and ridiculous (and no, just NO!) but…what if? Great character development once again - I can't wait for more!

When Jake is enraged, he makes his way to Earth and threatens to end Xavier's life…unless Beth makes a deal with him. Obviously, we know that's a bad move but what she can do? The final parts of Hades will surely make you gasp. Something happens with Jake….something happens with Xavier…something happens with Beth... Definitely some lose-your-mind material. Huge cliffhanger ahead - beware! I cannot wait for Heaven and know that it'll be magnificent. The series will end on a high and I'm very excited for it! The foreshadowing in this one's got my brain gears going....

Are you excited for Heaven like I am? Have you or will you tune in for this second book?